American Plastics

Plastics Manufacturing and Recycling in America

America’s plastics makers do more than produce materials—they drive innovation, build resilient supply chains, create jobs, and recycle valuable resources. With smart policy, we can expand both manufacturing and recycling in the U.S and unlock the next generation of American-made solutions.

Economic Contributions

State Impact

Manufacturing + Recycling

Our Investments

Support Policy & Progress

New Report: The Economic Contributions of Plastics Manufacturing to the U.S. Economy

Read the Report → View the Fact Sheet → Read the Press Release →

Plastic's Role in The Economy

Plastics Manufacturing by State

Explore how plastics manufacturing and recycling support jobs and growth in states

See Ohio's Economic Impact

See Michigan's Economic Impact

See Pennsylvania's Economic Impact

See Louisiana's Economic Impact

See Texas' Economic Impact

A New Era and Unified Opportunity — Manufacturing and Recycling in America

Manufacturing is having a moment. Recycling is a part of that. Strengthening one, strengthens the other.  

When American companies manufacture plastics, they’re not just making materials—They’re enabling critical industries. They’re creating good-paying jobs. They’re building the backbone of our economy.

And when those same companies recover and recycle plastic to make new products — They’re driving innovation. They’re launching new businesses. They’re helping keep resources in America, to be used again and again.  

Together, manufacturing and recycling:

Keep resources in the U.S. economy   

Strengthen supply chains  

Create and protect American jobs   

Drive innovation and sustainability  

By supporting both, we’re investing in U.S. workers, American businesses, and a stronger American future.

Industry is Leading with Bold Investment

America’s Plastic Makers are leading with billions in private-sector investments in next-generation recycling and recycling innovations.  

AI-enabled sorting systems

Advanced recycling infrastructure

High-tech manufacturing

These are real solutions—helping to recover millions of tons of valuable plastics and turning it into essential products for packaging, health care, construction, and transportation.

Policymakers Can Accelerate Recycling Progress

Recycling innovations are already delivering results. But to scale its impact, we need smart, forward-thinking policy.

To fully unlock the benefits of American recycling, Congress and federal agencies should:

Support modern recycling infrastructure
Encourage private investment in recycling  innovation
Promote the use of recycled plastic in U.S.  manufacturing
Help American companies meet sustainability  goals
Protect American jobs and economic  competitiveness

Emerging recycling technologies — namely “advanced recycling” can help us recover more plastic, reduce waste, and meet rising demand for recycled content. Many major U.S. companies have already committed to using less virgin plastic—and more recycled plastic—in their products. Now we need policies that support that shift.